2.5.3 Accidental Release

In the event of a significant spill of ethylbenzene, all non essential personnel should be evacuated and all sources of ignition extinguished or removed immediately. After the appropriate personal protective equipment has been issued, the spill can be covered with fire-fighting foam to minimize emissions and the potential of fire hazards. Depending on the volume and location of the spill, it can be recovered by an inert padded vacuum truck or with solid absorbent and placed in appropriate containers for disposal. Ethylbenzene will float on water, so spills into surface water bodies may be collected using a skimmer or vacuum system. Spilled ethylbenzene can be removed safely by covering it with a suitable absorbing agent, such as sand. However, some absorbing agents, such as untreated clays and micas, may cause an exothermic reaction which could ignite ethylbenzene. Absorbing agents therefore should be tested for suitability before use on large spills. When spills occur within a bund confined area without an impervious base, water should be pumped into the area immediately. This will prevent the spilled ethylbenzene from soaking into the ground and will allow it to be pumped off the water layer for later recovery.

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